Second homes in East Devon are "hugely detrimental" to the district's economy according to the National Housing Federation. Read this and more.

SECOND HOME WARNING: There are 7,227 second homes in East Devon and, according to the National Housing Federation, they are “hugely detrimental” to the district’s economy and are damaging communities.

It says, with the second homes standing empty for much of the time, shops are being hit.

Long-term, second homes could affect the sustainability of village shops, schools and pubs.

Second homeowners make up 5.5 per cent of residents in East Devon.

The figures were published by the Office of National Statistics as the National Housing Federation, published a report, Home Truths 2012, which revealed that rents are set to rise.

Jenny Allen, the federation’s manager for the South West, said: “The high number of second homes has helped push house prices up, taking them out of reach for local people.

“If families and young people in the region are priced out of their local villages, it can have a hugely damaging impact on community life, with village shops, schools and pubs closing as a result.”

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